Wanyao Pottery Village in Linxiang District, Lincang
Overview
Wanyao Pottery Village (碗窑村, Wǎn yáo cūn) in Linxiang District (临翔区, Línxiáng qū), Lincang (临沧, Líncāng), is celebrated as the “Hometown of Chinese Pottery Culture.” With over 300 years of pottery-making history, the village blends traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity, breathing new life into ancient techniques. Wanyao Village shines not only in pottery culture but also in its remarkable achievements in environmental improvements and grassroots governance, earning titles such as “Chinese Traditional Village,” “Yunnan Provincial Tourism Village,” and “Most Beautiful Nostalgia Tourism Destination in Yunnan Province.”
Location
Wanyao Village is situated northwest of the Boshang Town (博尚镇, Bó shàng zhèn) government, 25 kilometers from Lincang city and 7 kilometers from the town government. It is adjacent to Lincang Airport (临沧机场, Líncāng jīchǎng) and connected by an airport highway, making transportation convenient. The village covers an area of 5.27 square kilometers.
Village Overview
The village comprises two natural villages and two villager groups, with a total of 680 households and 2,038 residents. The ancient village area extends from the eastern mountain boundary to approximately 20 meters south of the Wanyao Tea Factory (碗窑茶厂, Wǎn yáo chá chǎng), bordered by ancient trees and farmland to the west and the mountain boundary to the north. Nestled between mountains and water, the village is rich in ancient dragon kilns and traditional residences, showcasing a natural and ecological landscape. Historically, it has been inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Blang (布朗族, Bùlǎng zú), Dai (傣族, Dǎi zú), Lahu (拉祜族, Lāhù zú), and Han (汉族, Hàn zú) people.
Cultural Features
History of Pottery
In 1736, Luo Wenhua (罗文华, Luó Wénhuá), Yang Yiyuan (杨义远, Yáng Yìyuán), and Deng Chenghe (邓成和, Dèng Chénghé) from Hunan Province (湖南省, Hú nán shěng) brought their pottery-making skills to this area. They established three dragon kilns using the village’s high-quality clay, passing down the dragon kiln pottery-making technique through generations. The village’s name derives from its initial focus on bowls, which were produced extensively before the introduction of metal and plastic containers. These pottery items were sold in various counties in western Yunnan and abroad in Myanmar and Thailand.
Cultural Heritage
Wanyao Village preserves a significant cultural heritage, including three protected heritage sites: ten dragon kilns used for pottery firing, two residences from the Republic of China period, and a traditional architectural complex. Approximately 60% of the village’s homes retain traditional Han-style wooden structures, showcasing various architectural forms such as single-room houses and courtyard layouts. The village also boasts several ancient cultural relics, including an ancient well, a bridge, a river channel, a gate, a notable ancient tree, and a grove of ancient trees. The intangible cultural heritage encompasses traditional pottery-making techniques, customs related to weddings and funerals, folk traditions, and historical documents.
Development of Pottery Products
With a pottery-making history of over 300 years, Wanyao Village is often referred to as the “Hometown of Pottery.” Currently, 266 households in the village are engaged in the production and sale of earthenware, producing over 120,000 items annually, including jars, basins, bowls, pots, and teapots, known for their intricate designs and practical value. The village has established a center for the preservation and display of intangible cultural heritage, which covers 120 square meters and showcases the history, techniques, and cultural characteristics of Wanyao pottery, with over 200 representative cultural products and photographs displayed.
Honors Received
In June 2021, the Wanyao Village branch of the Communist Party of China in Linxiang District was recognized as a candidate for “Advanced Grassroots Party Organization in Yunnan Province” by the Yunnan Provincial Committee. In November 2021, Wanyao Village’s pottery was certified as a model village for the “One Village, One Product” initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Heritage of the Ancient Dragon Kiln
The pottery craft in Wanyao Village is characterized by the use of traditional dragon kilns. Yang Pizhu (杨丕追, Yáng Pīzhuī), a local intangible cultural heritage inheritor, reflects on how pottery making has become a prosperous avenue for many, contrasting his earlier days of laboring in various jobs. With over 266 households in the village practicing pottery, the craft remains a vital part of the local culture.
Craftsmanship and Techniques
Dragon kiln pottery firing is labor-intensive, requiring potters to wake before dawn and monitor the kilns for 24 hours or more. The kilns, constructed in the Qing Dynasty (清朝, Qīng cháo) in 1738, remain largely unchanged in structure and firing techniques over the centuries. Pottery items are carefully arranged in the kiln to ensure even heating and prevent deformation.
Time for Firing
Firing pottery typically takes over 24 hours, and the items are not removed from the kiln immediately after firing to prevent cracking due to rapid cooling. The pottery primarily serves practical purposes, making it affordable and easily sold in the local market.
Recent Innovations
Local potters, including Luo Xingqing (罗星青, Luó Xīngqīng) and Yang Pizhu, have begun exploring creative pottery designs and improving techniques, developing unique tea sets and other artistic items. Their efforts have led to a resurgence in popularity for Wanyao pottery, showcasing its adaptability and relevance in the modern market.
How to Get There
To reach Wanyao Pottery Village, visitors can take a bus or drive from Lincang city, which is approximately 25 kilometers away. Lincang Airport offers connections to major cities, providing an easy entry point for travelers. Once in Lincang, local taxis or ride-hailing services can take you directly to the village.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for visiting is from spring to autumn when the weather is pleasant.
- Explore Local Culture: Engage with local artisans and participate in pottery-making workshops for a hands-on experience.
- Bring Cash: While some shops may accept cards, many local vendors prefer cash.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially if you plan to explore the village on foot.
- Respect Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette, especially when visiting homes or workshops.
